Houston's all-news radio station hiring familiar names

By David Barron |
October 28, 2011
| Updated: October 29, 2011 12:34am

Longtime news anchors J.P. Pritchard, Lana Hughes and Mike Barajas and veteran sportscaster Craig Roberts are among a group of veteran Houston journalists who will return to the airwaves next month as Radio One launches an all-news station on KROI (92.1 FM).

News 92 FM is expected to launch the week of Nov. 14, filling the all-news void left by KTRH's (740 AM) transformation to conservative talk, capped by the dismissal of Pritchard and Hughes in June and the hiring of Ohio Tea Party rally host Matt Patrick to host a show that leans more toward commentary and call-in segments.

Barajas, who left KRIV (Channel 26) in-January, and Roberts, the former KPRC (Channel 2) sports director who has hosted talk shows on several stations, are among the other familiar names on the roster.

"We believe there is a huge appetite for full-service news in Houston," said Doug Abernethy, Radio One's Houston general manager. "News happens 24-7, and we're offering an opportunity where people will not have to wait to get the news."

Former Channel 26 news director Denise Bishop will be news director, and former KTRH program director Ed Shine will be project manager.

Hughes, who worked with Pritchard for 27 years on KTRH, said the chance to work with former colleagues and competitors whom she admired drew her to the project.

"I'm excited that this is going to be a reality," she said. "I hope that listeners embrace it, and I think they will. I love the concept and always have, and I think it will be great fun," Hughes said.